Since 1985, Isolite has been manufacturing expanded polystyrene. But through many years, we have been asked: what is the difference between EPS and XPS? This blog will briefly outline the difference between the two.
It is important to note that, EPS and XPS are both classified as thermoplastic, closed-cell, rigid forms of insulation; used widely in the construction and packaging industries. However, the manufacturing process behind that of EPS and XPS are vastly different:
The Isolite brand has grown rapidly from start-up to the leading EPS brand in Africa. Isolite manufactures and markets EPS and EPP to users of thermal insulation, packaging, semi-rigid cushioning, and specialised shape-moulded products. The Isowall Group has Isolite production facilities in Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Tema, Ghana; equipped with state of the art machinery – serving thousands of customers annually.
EPS
EPS is made from expandable grade polystyrene. Expansion of the beads is achieved by virtue of pentane gas, a blowing agent, which is entrapped in the expandable beads. The heat from the steam in the pre-expansion phase causes the gas to expand, forming perfectly closed cells of EPS.
For more information on EPS – check out our Isolite page
XPS
XPS, on the other hand, is made using an extrusion process, whereby, polystyrene is mixed with additives and a blowing agent – which is then melted together through a dye.
